Newsletter:

St. John’s Episcopal Church - Sunday, April 8, 2018

From Fr. Ray+

Royce and I are so very grateful to you, our St. John’s family, for your many acts of kindness last week following the death of my mother. I wish I could mention each one of them individually, but if I did so it would take up this entire newsletter! The food you brought to our home was both delicious and abundant. It was especially helpful since we had a houseful of kids, grandkids, relatives and guests with us for Easter.

Many folks have asked us how we are doing. The answer to that question is that we are well. Yes, there is a part of us that is sad at mom’s passing. But, we are also grateful for the life she lived and the time we got to spend with her since we moved her to Arkansas over four years ago. Mom had vascular dementia and had gradually lost all quality of life. We are thankful that she has moved onward and upward into God’s nearer presence. We are an Easter people. In both life and death, we belong to the Lord. Even as we trust mom to his keeping, so do we trust ourselves to his never ending mercy and grace.

My siblings (there are 5 of us) and our spouses will gather in Florida later this month to bury mom next to my dad. I’ll conduct a brief graveside service and Royce will sing a few of mom’s favorite hymns.

Blessings, Fr. Ray+

The St. John’s Altar Guild did an outstanding job keeping our church building liturgically appropriate and beautiful for Holy Week and Easter! Their work is done quietly and behind the scenes, so all the rest of us see is the lovely results of their labor. Thank you Altar Guild!

Worship and Education News:

Adult Sunday School: Meets Sunday at 9:00 am.

Sunday School: Will meet at 9:00 am at the First United Methodist Church.

Worship: April 8, the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Rev. Ray Brown

Readings for Second Sunday of Easter:Acts 4:32-35; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1—2:2; John 20:19-31

Thank you for your weekly donations. They are all greatly appreciated.

Church Office News and Announcements:

Apr 4, Wed at 5:30 pm - Midweek Eucharist(chapel)

Altar Guild – Jayne Morris/Angie Fielder

Apr 8, Sun at 10:30 am – Second Sunday of Easter

Acolyte – Ed Pat Wright

Lay Eucharistic Minister – Jack Myers

Altar Guild – Melody Rogers/Angie Fielder

Altar Flowers – Martha Lambert

Apr 8, Sun - St Mary’s Catholic Church will host a Ravioli Luncheon from 11:00 until 2:00 in their Parish Hall. Tickets are $15 at the door.

Apr 11, Wed at 5:30 pm -Midweek Eucharist(chapel)

Altar Guild – Melody Rogers/Angie Fielder

The website to purchase St John’s church photos is stjohnsepiscopalchurch.pixieset.com. All proceeds will go to support Young Life of Phillips County. Photographs can also be viewed in the church office.

St. John’s T-shirts are available with sizes from S through 3XL. The price is $15.